I have always been a little bit in love with doilies. I inherited a few from my granny when I moved out of my parents house to live with my boyfriend, now husband - Mr Towriess some eleven years ago! Some might say they are a little old fashioned but I don't care, they're pretty. I have at least one doily in every room of my house. They are mainly neutral colours and used underneath candles and pictures but I do have a few bold coloured ones in the kids bedroom and at my work desk which I have made myself over the years.

There are so many vintage patterns that, when created using modern yarns and colours, look amazing and so current. I could spend a whole year just experimenting with the handful of doily books and magazines my granny gave me and different yarns and colour combinations! I obviously haven't (yet!!) and wont anytime soon but my love for these beautiful pieces of crochet is what sparked the idea of a project I am super excited about. Joining Lines is a community project I am hosting this spring/summer 2018 and the reason I designed my Unity Doily. Find out more about my Joining Lines project here.​Whether you're planning on getting involved in my Joining Lines project or are simply keen to crochet a doily, I hope you enjoy following this pattern and adore the end result in your home for years to come.

Materials and ​Equipment

For doily

Yarn | This pretty doily pattern can be worked up in any yarn weight and fibre but I feel a cotton or cotton blend works best for this design. (I have used King Cole Bamboo Cotton)

Hook | Use a crochet hook which corresponds with the yarn weight you have chosen. (I used a 4mm hook with 4ply yarn)

Darning needle

Scissors

For blocking

Blocking mat (I use the foam interlocking kids play mats for all my blocking. I think I got a pack for about £10).

Once you have completed your piece and have sewn in all your ends, spray both sides of your doily with water, making sure that everywhere is completely wet. Now lay your doily flat on your blocking mat with the right side facing up. I don't think it's too important that the right side is facing up but I always do so I can make sure it's looking its best.

​Start pinning each point evenly spaced apart. Adjust were necessary until you are happy that your doily is pinned into a nice shape and all stitches are stretched flat. If needed, spray the surface again to make sure there is an even coverage of water. Now leave to dry. Drying times may vary depending on the piece your blocking, room temperature etc. I often block in the evening and then leave to dry over night.